When interacting with the physical device, the left most “Function” button allows the client to ‘toggle’ through the features. These are:Signal StrengthText Messages ReceivedTelephone Calls ReceivedNumber of Connected UsersUSB Device ConnectedOnce a function is selected, the icon will invert or animate and the screen will be populated with the details relevant to that function. If a delay of a few seconds occurs without activity, the screen will return to the ‘Home’ position (showing stats of use/connectivity), and a few seconds later, will revert to the Time based screen saver.The right hand button powers the device on and off, but also ‘wakes’ the device up if in screen saver mode, and also manually connects/disconnects.
One of the most exciting new features of the GS3 is the client ‘Notifier’. This applet is intended to ‘talk’ to the client, and alert them when events occur. These events could be:Text Messages receivedPhone calls being receivedOperator InformationError messages andOther useful device based details.If the client misses a Notifier event – the ‘task bar’ will show the Notifier icon animate (or illuminate), attracting the clients attention when they return to their PC.The Notifier is especially useful when the GlobeSurfer is positioned out of eyesight – in another room for example. Other competitor devices require the client to take the initiative and check their router to see if they have missed anything – this is both time consuming and impractical, as it is not in a persons habit to check a browser randomly. The fact the GlobeSurfer takes this hassle away from the client is testimony to the GS3’s client focus, and it’s goal of making communication between the device and the owner as streamlined and intuitive as possible.
Contact with the GS3 is now through a revised and re-designed web browser. The browser has been sub-divided into “Basic” and “Advanced” segments so clients who only require the basic features such as SMS, Telephone, Quick Set-Up and Security can perform all these tasks without being consumed by the power user functionality that exists within the Advanced section.All the high end technical capabilities of the GS2 remain within the GS3 – but these are taken to new levels of sophistication. Firmware updates and Software updates can be dropped onto an FTP site which the GS3 looks at when connected. When a new Firmware or Software release comes out, the GS3 will alert the client (via Notifier or Browser message), who will in turn be able to take appropriate action.The Browser is also client customisable.
Contact with the GS3 is now through a revised and re-designed web browser. The browser has been sub-divided into “Basic” and “Advanced” segments so clients who only require the basic features such as SMS, Telephone, Quick Set-Up and Security can perform all these tasks without being consumed by the power user functionality that exists within the Advanced section.All the high end technical capabilities of the GS2 remain within the GS3 – but these are taken to new levels of sophistication. Firmware updates and Software updates can be dropped onto an FTP site which the GS3 looks at when connected. When a new Firmware or Software release comes out, the GS3 will alert the client (via Notifier or Browser message), who will in turn be able to take appropriate action.The Browser is also client customisable.
Taking all the power of the GlobeSurfer II, and reviewing the requirements of the gateway marketplace, as well as the best/worst of the competition, Option announces the GlobeSurfer III.A super fast HSDPA 7.2 and HSUPA 5.76 device, the GlobeSurfer III brings to the market new and unique features, that push it beyond the boundaries of conventional gateway routers.Option prides itself on being the Operators best choice for product customisation, and that said, the GS3 is fully customisable – right from the front panel, through to the start-up/shut-down screens, through to the browser interface. No other router offers this level of client customisation.Incorporating a new, vibrant colour display, indicating functions, events and device activities, the GS3 maintains its intuitive client interface, with added depth of power.Using the Qualcomm 7225 chipset, the GS3 offers clients HSUPA at 5.76Mbs, as well as AWS bandwidth support – both unique and poineering technologies which make GS3 a forerunner in the bandwidth market.GS3 increased the Ethernet port availability to 2 (from 1), which is in keeping with market research. For the very limited number of clients who may need more ports, a simple Ethernet hub can be connected to the device, thereby expanding the fixed Ethernet ports available. Additional Ethernet based functionality includes connecting an ADSL Modem to the GlobeSurfer. In this combination, clients can use an ADSL modem to make a direct connection to the internet, and use the GlobeSurfer to provide LAN/WAN functionality. In the event of the fixed line ADSL failing, the GlobeSurfer becomes the ultimate disaster recover facility, restoring ADSL connectivity via the SIM based mobile network. This added feature means the GlobeSurfer is not simply a device limited to areas with reduced ADSL coverage, but can stand its ground in any and all environmentsAnother unique feature added to the GS3 is the USB port. This is a client based USB, which enables USB devices such as Hard Disk Drives or Printers to be directly connected to the GS3. Adding an external HDD gives clients a central storage system, allowing them to back-up critical files, or share files across the LAN/WAN. Multimedia files such as MP3’s or AVI’s can also be streamed across the network, turning the GS3 into a multimedia distribution system. Connecting a printer, allows clients to keep a central printer on-line and conveniently located for all connected users.Contact with the GS3 is now through a revised and re-designed web browser. The browser has been sub-divided into “Basic” and “Advanced” segments so clients who only require the basic features such as SMS, Telephone, Quick set up and Security can perform all these tasks without being consumed by the power user functionality that exists within the Advanced section.A re-design of the external antenna fixture has also taken place – this allows for industry standard external antenna connectors (MMX) to be connected to the GS3, which (uniquely) will auto detect an external antenna, and switch accordingly. For clients in remote areas where an outside antenna is required, this is an ideal feature – however the antenna gain in the GS3 is of exceptional quality (stronger than that of the GS2), and clients in urban and city locations will find that an external antenna offers no additional gain, as the internal antennas are optimally placed and tuned. One of the reasons the display is located at the bottom of the GS3 is to move it away from the antennas, so no display interference degrades the antenna quality.